HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Contact:  Nancy M. Mulroy, PIO, Hartford Police Department, (860) 543-8746.

            (Hartford, CT) – At 10:46 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2003, Hartford Police responded to 282 Washington Street (Children’s Medical Center) on a report of a child in cardiac arrest and suspicion of child abuse.  The victim, age 2, was transported to the hospital by Nelson Ocasio, it’s father, and was being treated for multiple injuries. 

Arrested and charged with Assault in the First Degree, Risk of Injury and Interfering with Police were the juvenile’s biological father, Nelson Ocasio (DOB 1/13/78) and his girlfriend, Yumarie Cruz (DOB 4/26/80) both of 40 Standish Street, Hartford.  Ocasio and Cruz are being held on $1 million bond and remain in police custody. 

The State Department of Children and Families was notified of the assault by both Hospital staff and the Hartford Police Department.  Two other children in the home have been taking into custody by the State Department of Children and Families. 

The investigation is on-going.  Hartford Police ask anyone with information about this case to call Detective Michael Sheldon of the Major Crimes Division at (860) 527-7300, extension 5262.

Hartford Police commend the staff of Children’s Medical Center for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation.